Distance Learning and ADHD During the Pandemic: What Are the Takeaways?

The pandemic has certainly turned the world upside down. With schools across the nation just completing their first try at distance learning, parents have had to deal with challenges they could never have imagined. Working from home while managing their children’s schooling has certainly been overwhelming for some parents. For parents of children with ADHD or executive function challenges, there are added levels of concern. This is especially true if the parents also have ADHD.

It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that just about everyone is looking forward to the day when schools can re-open. I think we’re all hoping that schools will resume in-class learning in the fall. Until then, we wait, and we hope. But should we just wait? Instead, perhaps we should think about how we can best utilize the time before school begins in the fall.

As your child finishes up their final classes, it would be wise to take a moment and reflect on this experience. The pandemic has provided parents with the rare opportunity to observe how our children are learning. With these observances in hand, parents can help guide their children’s future school experiences. Here are a few observations that I am hearing from parents.

My child prefers online learning.
Throughout these past several months, we have discovered that many schools are not primed to teach online. Common reports have included a lack of access to online resources, parents having to teach the curriculum, and workloads being different than what was expected.

But there is a silver lining in all of this. Some students with ADHD or executive function deficits discovered that the online experience has actually been beneficial. In a traditional school setting, these students have a lot to deal with while navigating their learning experience. Because they have challenges related to focus, time management, and organization, the pace and length of the traditional school day are difficult to manage.

Distance learning for most students has resulted in shorter school days, and students have had more of an opportunity to get the work done at their own pace. Some parents and students have reported that online learning has created a more cohesive and calming experience, and this provides a more valuable learning experience.

Another aspect of school is the social one. It is easy to assume that the students are missing their friends and that they want to go back to school for the social connections. This may be true for many students, but some children with ADHD or executive function challenges deal with social anxiety at school. Some experience social isolation, or they struggle with social cues. These students often deal with anxiety that surrounds interactions at school.

The distance learning experience can isolate students from these difficulties. While they may miss their friends, students who struggle socially may not miss dealing with other students at school. They prefer to be home with their family where they feel more comfortable.

When my child complains about school, I need to listen closely.
Let’s face it, children complain about school, even if they actually like going. Parents of children with ADHD or executive function challenges probably hear a lot of complaints. This can be hard because it is difficult to know what really goes on within the walls of the classroom. The at-home school experience is a rare opportunity for parents to gain insight into their child’s struggles.

Think about the types of things your child has complained about in the past and see if there has been any sign of these experiences at home.  Use this time to observe your child’s learning style and habits.  Take note of their ability to listen, understand, and organize their work.  If your child is frustrated, work together to problem solve.  It would be helpful to keep a log of your observances, and to share this with the teacher or school.

Be sure your child is receiving the type of support that was promised to them in their Individual Education Plan or 504 Plan. Schools have certainly had trouble trying to deliver accommodations and modifications, but they are legally required to do so. If your school has not at the very least made an attempt to provide such services, this may be an indication of problems that were already occurring during a traditional school setting. Even if your student is receiving their services, this is a great opportunity to determine if the services they are receiving are actually what your child needs. You should take note of this and bring it up at the student’s evaluation meeting.

I am worried about the transition back to school.
Many students with ADHD and executive function deficits have significant problems with transitions. After spending months at home, it is likely that many students will have difficulty transitioning back to school in the fall. There are many unanswered questions about what the transition will look like. Here are just a few questions that administrations have to grapple with:

·      Will school return with a shortened day or week?
·      Will there be an alternating schedule?
·      Will classes sizes be smaller?
·      Will there be lunchrooms and recess?
·      Will masks be required?

There are no clear answers just yet. But there is likely certainty that some things will change. Children may assume that everything will return to normal, so they might be thrown by the new changes at school.

Another very important question is how schools will deal with the reduction of education during the stay-at-home process. Schools most certainly have not been able to provide a full curriculum in these past several months. Will the expectation be that students resume their education at the next grade level?  Some students will be able to handle the education gap, but others will not be able to catch up as easily to the grade level.

As we learn more about the return to school, some of the answers to these questions will come to light. In the meantime, parents have the opportunity to help guide their child’s education like they have never done before. Rest assured that there are professionals, including educators and coaches, who will be at the ready to help guide you through this process. These are challenging times for all of us, and no one should be forced to face the unknown without help from others.